Traumatic brain injuries occur when trauma to the head or neck hurts the brain, and the term spans several common injury types. Traumatic brain injuries can be minor or they can produce long-term symptoms. Understanding the different types of TBIs will help people seek the right medical and legal help after an accident.
Common Types of Traumatic Brain Injuries
Each year, around 1.7 million people suffer traumatic brain injuries, and about 52,000 of those accidents are fatal. Hitting the head can cause a TBI, but other injuries, like whiplash or even violent shaking of the head, are also causes. Some common types of TBIs include:
- Coup-Contrecoup Brain Injuries – These injuries occur when a force causes the brain to shake so hard that it hits the opposite side of the skull. The result is injuries to both sides of the brain.
- Concussion – A concussion is a mild TBI that occurs when something causes the brain to shake inside the skull.
- Brain Contusion – This injury is a bruise or bleeding on the brain.
- Diffuse Axonal Injury – These common traumatic injuries occur when the brain moves so fast that it tears some of the connective tissues in the brain.
- Second Impact Syndrome – A second impact that occurs after a first brain injury usually leads to severe brain damage. These injuries are often fatal.
In each of these instances, the injured person needs immediate medical help as well as ongoing therapy and rehabilitation. Without proper treatment, damage from a TBI may become permanent, so getting medical help soon after an accident or injury is critical. To help cover these costs, many turn to a Chicago injury lawyer for assistance.
Seeking Damages in Traumatic Brain Injury Cases
Many traumatic brain injuries occur because of the actions of another party, like in a car accident or because of someone’s violent action. In these cases, an injury attorney might help the victim or surviving family members get compensation for the cost of medical care, rehabilitation, funeral expenses and more. This lets the family focus on recovery and rehabilitation, rather than the bills that they bring.